Drink vending machine



June 2, 1942. R. A. NICHOLSON DRINK VENDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 28, 1938 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 12212812 for Zia Z n z QN 2'612026012 {59' M9.

June 1942- R. A. NICHOLSON DRINK VENDING MACHINE 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 28, 1938 Inventor Hal $2 (LNieiwZsorz 9 June 2, 1942. R. A. NICHOLSON 2,284,380

DRINK VENDING MACHINE Filed D80. 28, 1938 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 I f Q I I f lnventor Ral hQNicholson i ig June 2, 1942. R. A. NICHOLSON 2,284,880

DRINK VENDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 28, 1938 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 I22 0 12 tor Ralph (ZN 1012025011 by M0. M Q

June 2, 1942. NICHOLSON 2,284,880

DRINK VENDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 28, 1938 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Invezz tor Ra Z7911 QN EJ701502? lj y Mo. PM

J1me 1942- R. A. NICHOLSON 2,234,330

DRINK VENDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 28, 1938 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 69 ra Fag -77 In un 11/] ununrnun77% 7.9 i K A" I 171/611 tor Hal v12 @N 1511026012 13 1 mg. @WJLQ June 2, 1942 R. A. NICHOLSON DRINK VENDING MACHINE Filed Dec. 28, 1958 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 In 0612 for 3019911 dJVz'cho Z3011 Patented June 2, 1942 DRINK VENDING MACHINE Ralph A. Nicholson, Chicago, 111., assignor to Raymond T. Molon y, Chicago, Ill.

Application Deccmbcr 28, 1938, Serial No. 248,114

20 Claims.

The invention relates to a drink or beverage vending machine of the automatic, coin operated typ These machines usually embody a refrigerated cabinet and vend a carbonated drink into a cup which is first vended in timed relation to the vending of the drink.

Many problems have been encountered in the use and operation of machines of this type since it is difiicult, for example, to handle a carbonated beverage. Timing of the various operations in proper sequence also entails problems as does the matter of makin the machine inoperative when no more of the beverage remains to be vended.

The main object of the invention is to provide an improved coin operated, drink vending machine.

Another object is to provide an organization of operative parts for such a machine, which will work in the desired, properly timed sequence.

Another object is to provide an improved cup vending mechanism for such a machine.

Still another important object is to provide an improved drink vending mechanism.

Another purpose is to provide an improved means for vending a carbonated beverage, so that in the handling thereof its gaseous content will not be dissipated.

Another object is to provide an improved drink measuring means for the vender.

Another object is to provide a counting mechanism to count the number of drinks vended and additionally to provide means to indicate when the machine is empty and to return the users coin when it is inserted into an empty machine.

A further object is the provision of a method and apparatus for automatically dispensing a pre-mixed, carbonated beverage in a manner to preserve as much of the gas content as possible, and with a minimum amount of foam, especially where the beverage contains a flavoring syrup or other substance likely to increase its foamforming tendencies in conjunction with handling under relatively high carbonating pressures.

A more general object is to provide an improved organization and relative disposition of the parts within the cabinet housing the machine.

Still another object is to provide an improved venting means associated with the drink measuring means.

Also an object is to'include in the combination of parts, an improved electro-mechanical motor operated timing device to insure foolproof, proper sequential functioning of all operating parts.

Other important objects will, no doubt, appear to those skilled in this art as the disclosure is more fully made.

Generally, the improved machine comprises a refrigerated cabinet containing a cold unit and a mixed drink, bulk container, for a refreshment drink such as a carbonated beverage.

A cup vending mechanism is provided to vend and place acup in a drink receiving position on a suitable support under a pouring nozzle from which the measured drink flows into said cup by gravity so as not to release gas from the drink in handling same. A drink measuring and defoaming device receives a measured quantity of liquid from the bulk container. Electromagnetically controlled valves are present to govern the charging of the measuring vessel, venting of same, and draining of same, to vend the drink into the cup. Electro-mechanical timing means is coin operated to govern the various operations. Counting mechanism is operative to count each drink, or cup full measure of liquid vended, and when the entire quantity of liquid in the bulk container has been vended, an indicator means is operative to designate this fact to a prospective user. At the same time the coin slide or release mechanism is made ineffective by causing it to return the coin to the user without operating the machine. The cabinet construction housing the machine is so compartmented that various units of the machine are in ideal relative positioning with respect to each other to achieve compactnes and accessibility. The'cup vending mechanism and the foam controlled measuring means also present novel features.-

An illustrative example of the invention is shown in the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a general front elevational view of the drink vender;

Figure 2 is an enlarged front view of the cup vender mechanism, partly in elevation and section, taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 4 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 3 is an enlarged, side view in section through the machine, taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 1, and looking in the indicated direction;

Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional view through the machine, taken along the line 4-4 of Figure 3 and looking in theindicated direction;

Figure 5 is an elevational, enlarged detail view of the drink counting pawl and ratchet means and a control circuit associated therewith;

Figure 6 is an end view of the structure shown in Figure 5;

means and valves associated therewith;

Figure is an enlarged plan view of the electro-mechanical timing mechanism used to control the proper sequence of operation of the variouspartsofthe vender;

Figure 11 is an end view, partly in section, of saiditimer taken along-the line II--II of Figure 1 10, looking in the indicated direction; and,

' Figure 12 is a typical wiring diagram for the electro-mechanical means employed in the drink vender;

The improved drink vender is enclosed by an appropriate housing I5, the same as shown in Figures 3 and 4, having a compartment I6 delineated by an insulated partition structure I1. Resting on the floor of the compartment IG is a rather large drum I8jconstituting the bulk, mixed drink or beverage container. The present container is ofa size to hold one hundred sixty five cup fulls or drinks. This is mentioned now because it is of significance when the drink counting and a certain control is later to be described. In this compartment I6 is alsolocated a suitable refrigerator unit I9, which cools the contents of the drum I8, as well as certain measuring means later to be described and also situated in compartment I6. I

The partition I1 delineates withinthe cabinet, 9. side space 20, which is occupied by an upright drum 2I of CO2 gas having a pressure indicator 22 thereon, and a control valve 23. The remainder of the space is occupied by a waste receptacle 24 standing on the floor of the housing. A door 25'is formed in the front wall 26 of the housing to permit waste, or used cups, to be disposed of by passing same through the door 25 into said receptacle 24.

The partition I1 also forms a front compartment or space-21 in which is carried, from the proximate partition part I1, a pair of cup con? taining magazines 28 and a cup vending mechanism later to be described. The front wall 26 of the housing, as indicated in Figures 1, 2 and 4, is formed with a large opening 29, the vertical side edges of which are delineated by grooved guides 31!, slidingly-to receive a front closure panel 3| which can be slid upwardly out of the cabinet. to expose interior parts, when a removably mounted top 32 forthe cabinet is first removed.

On a level with the bottom of the opening 23 the partition I1 and front wall 26 carry a suitable, grated, horizontal support 33 on which a vended cup 34, to be filled rests as will subsequently be made known. The front panel 3| is' formedv with' an' opening 35 the'side edges of which are formed with vertical guide grooves 36 slidably to receive a vertically slidable door 31, having a transparent window 38 therein to make visible to the user, a. cup standing on the support 33. This door has a finger grip or handle portion 39 to enable the user to raise said door to make a vended drink filled cup 34 accessible.

This door 31 carries an upstanding arm 40 having a "rearwardly bent shoulder 4| at its upper end, which shoulder cooperates with. a cushion pad 42 carried on the piston 43 of a dash pot l4 supportedin a frame, mounted on the front partition part I1, see Figure 3. An upright arm 36 is rigidly carried on the frame 45 and a spring 41 connects between the arm 46 and piston 43. When the door 31 is raised the shoulder 4| raises off the pad 42 so that the spring 41 pulls the piston 43 upwardlyout oi the dash pot H, the pad l2 of course rising with the piston since it is carried by it. When the door is released after having been raised. the shoulder II abuts the pad 42 and the dash pot is effective slowly and gently to cause closing ofthe doorwithout being noisy and creating a shock.

Looking at Figures 2, 3 and 4 it will be seen that the cup containing magazines 28 are vertically disposed in the space 21 in parallel spaced apart relation. Between the lower ends of said magazines, the wall I1 carries a bracket 43 on which is supported an electric motor 49, having a shaft for driving a cam wheel 50 and a cam 5|. The wheel 50 has oppositely disposed notches for controlling closing of a spring blade switch 52 supported on the wall II. Each magazine has a conventional cup releaser mechanism 53 at its lower end, including respective plungers 54 positioned to be alternately operated bythe cam 5|, alternately to dispense'cups one at a time from said magazines.

The grate support 33 carries an upstanding support 55 on which is supported a trough or chute structure 56 shaped as shown, to deflect a vended cup under a pouring spout 51 in a centralized position below and between the magazines to fall upright into an upright guide cylinder 58 connected by a bracket 59 to the back side of the door 31. The lower edge of said -cylinder 58 when the door is down in its closed position, is substantially flush with the support 33 on which the vended cup 34 is positioned. When said door 31 is raised, the cylinder 58 of course raises with it to leave the drink filled cup standing free and clear under the pouring spout 51. It will be clear that the pouring spout 51 vends the drink into the .vended cup standing on the support 33 and since the latter is a grate; any liquid spilled will be drained oil by a pipe 59 into the waste receptacle 24.

A conduit 60 leads from the gas drum 21 into the head of the drink container I8 to keep the liquid under pressure. A conduit 6| takes the liquid from near the bottom of the tank I8 and leadsit into the refrigerator I9, the cooled liquid emerging therefrom by means of a conduit 62. Looking now to Figures 3, 4 and 9 it will be seen that conduit 62. has coupled to it a valve unit 63,

including a valve 54 operated by an lectromagnet 55. Beyond the valve unit 63 a T-coupling 66 is disposed in the line 62, said coupling carry ing and having communication with a closed drink measuring vessel or receptacle 51 which is disposed as a vertical cylinder above drum I8 and in. the same cooling compartment l6 therewith, so that both the drum I3 and cylinder 61 are refrigerated by unit I9.

The upper end of said vessel, as seen best in Figure 9, ,has a fitting 58 threaded thereinto, the same having a central bore 69 with radial openings -1|) positioned outside the vessel 61. Outside the vessel, the fitting 68 carries a solenoid ll having a movable core 12 extending throughing up and down in the notch 98.

Disposed rigidly in the lower middle section of vessel 61 is a grated or screened support I5 on which is disposed a quantity of spherically shaped pieces, such for example, as marbles 76, which may be of various sizes. The space in the vessel 61 above the support 15 is substantially occupied by these marbles. The marbles are insertable into the vessel upon removal of a cap piece I! for the vessel 61. These objects 16 are preferably spherical or substantially so in practice to precent rounded surfaces which contact each other at points to leave interstices between which the beverage entering the vessel 6! will flow. The balls 16 of course displace liquid, so obviously by inserting more or less of the balls into the vessel the capacity thereof to hold liquid can be varied as to volume. Thus the size or volume of the drink to be vended can be controlled. As the liquid from tank I8 enters the vessel 67 the same passes up between the balls '55 and since they present smooth o1 rounded surfaces to the liquid it is found that the gas in the liquid is not released or separated therefrom. Consequently, no foaming takes place and this is highly desirable and advantageous.

Beyond the T-coupling 66 the line 62 has placed therein another valve unit I8 including a valve stem 79 which is the armature of an electromagnet 80, as shown.

As seen in Figure l a slot 8| is provided in the front wall 26 to receive a coin for releasing and causing operation of the drink vender. For this purpose a coin handling mechanism is provided as seen in Figures 7 and 8. Behind the slot 8I a wall part carries a coin chute bracket 82 for a well known type of coin selector unit. A chute 83 leads an inserted coin over a lever 84 that closes a switch 85 in a circuit later to be described, to energize an electromagnet 86, which operates a core 81 to a pull down on a lever 88, which moves means to flap a hinged gate 89 side-wise to reject false coins passing from the chute 83 past said gate 89, said coins dropping out side-wise by gravity into a chute 90, then a chute 9I and finally to a return trough 92. This slug rejector per se forms no part of the invention and is illustrated and described only to such extent as is necessary to disclose other features connected with the coin handling mechanism that happen to cooperate with the drink vender.

An authentic or good coin will pass through the selector mechanism of this coin handler and close a. switch93, the coin then passing to a chute 94 to be directed into a suitably provided cash box 95.

The bracket which carries the device 86 also carries an electromagnet 96,- having a core 91 formed with an elongated cut out 98, a cross pin 99 extending from the core 87 as shown and play- This must be so since the device 86 is operated while the device 96 remains deenergized. Associated with the core 91 which has two spaced indentations is a spring pressed detent 99. The core 91 carries a forwardly and upwardly bent arm I the upper end of which carries a target or sign I 0| the lower half of which carries the legend Use Nickel while the upper half reads Empty. This sign is disposed behind a window I02 formed in the wall 26, it being understood that only one legend on the sign is visible at one time through the window. Normally the sign is up when the magnet 96 is deenergized to display the Use Nickel legend, but when the tank.l8 is empty a condition arises where the magnet 96 becomes energlzed to lower the sign IOI so that the "Empty legend is displayed at the window I02.

A drink counting and indexing mechanism is provided as shown in Figures and 6. On some suitable support such as the wall I! in the space 20 may be mounted a carrier plate I03 on which is rotatably carried a ratchet wheel I04 having I65 teeth, one for each drink contained in the tank I8, when it is full. The plate I03 carries an electromagnet I 05 having a core I06 which is pivotally but loosely connected to an arm I01 also pivoted on the pin I08 serving as the axis of the wheel I04. The arm I01 carries a pawl I09 to engage the ratchet teeth. An adjustable bracket I I0 on the plate I03 serves to limit the stroke of the arm I01 and pawl I09 so that the latter will act to move the wheel I04 one step at a time only. It can be seen that when the device 505 is energized the core I06 is moved to the left as viewed in Figure 5 and thereafter a spring III connected as shown, pulls the arm with the pawl I09 back as far as the stop IIO to cause the ratchet wheel 04 to move dog II2 on the one step. A pivoted plate I03 is pulled by a spring H3 to hold the gain of the wheel I04 in an obvious manner. The wheel I04 carries a pin I I4 near its periphery which pin extends normal to one face of the wheel to extend into the plane in which is positioned a normally open, spring blade contact switch H5 carried by an insulated pack H6 supported on the wall I03.

A timing mechanism of the type covered in Nicolaus Patent No. 2,138,243 of November 29, 1938, is also used with this machine, so much of said mechanism as is thought necessary to show its use, herein being generally shown in Figures 10 and 11.

This timer unit may be positioned in any convenient place in the machine, but preferably in the space at one side of the cabinet. The unit comprises a support bracket I I1, end walls of which carry a cross shaft I I0 constantly rotated when an electric motor H9 is turning to operate reduction gears I20 driven by the motor and connected to the shaft. The shaft I I8 carries loose thereon a disk I 2! having a perforation I22 therein around its marginal edge. The bracket Il'l adjacent said disk I2I carries an electromagnet I23 having a spring pressed movable core I 24 formed at its ends with a detent I25 to enter said perforation I22 to lock the disk I2I against turning. As shown in Figure 12 the motor H9 and device !23 are energized together and also deenergized together.

Between a spacer sleeve I20 having a head I21 and the disk I2I is a friction disk driver I28 held pressed against the disk I2I by the pulling action of a spring I29. A series of variously notched fibre cam wheels I30, I3I, I32, I33, I34, I35 and I36 are provided loosely on he shaft H8 and held by the spacers shown in the desired spaced relation. By means of bolts I31 these wheels are bolted together to turn as a unit with the lock wheel I 2I Each cam wheel has a step off notch on its periphery as shown to cooperate with corresponding spring blade switches I, I3I, I32, I33, I34, I35, and I36, said switches being carried on a cross plate I39.

The switch I30 is timed in its operation by the of a cup from a labelled cup in switch I3I' and is designated counter; switch I32 unit 65 and is accordingly labelled.Vend I; the wheel I33 and switch I33 control the second valve unit 80 used in vending the drink and is designated Vend II; the wheel I34 and switch I34 control a relay not yet described and is designated relay; the wheel I35 and its switch I35 control the vent valve H and is therefore labelled Vent"; and the last wheel I36 and its switch I36 control the selector electromagnet 86;

A visual, drink dispenser, register is shown at I39 carried by the bracket II1, said device having an operating crank I40 positioned to ride the periphery of the wheel I35 and when it drops into'the notch of said wheel actuates the register I39. Thus, every time a measured drink is H is lead a wire I69 that goes to the timer vent switch I35.

A wire I isconnected with wire I44 and goes into one sideof the counter electromagnet coil I05, a wire I1I leading from the other side thereof to the counter control switch I3I". A wire vented in the vessel 61 by valve control H the register I39 operates.

The wiring and circuits for the various electrically actuated parts will now be described with reference primarily to Figure 12.

A source ,of electrical energy is illustrated by the plug I4I,' from which runs a main wire I42 and a return wire I43, The wire I42 is connectedto a wire I44 having respective branches connected to the coils 86 and 96. From the coil 86 a wire I45 runs to one side of the switch 85 and the selector control switch I36. A wire I46 cross connects one side of all of the timing switches I36, I35, I34, I33, I32',' I3I', and I30. This wire I46 cuts into a wire I41 that goes to one side of the timer drive motor H9. The lead out wire'from said motor H9 is shown at I48 and a series circuit I49 leads from these wires I46, I41 to operate the coil I23 conjointly with the motor.

The wire I48 goes to one side of the cup vending motor 49 and a wire I50 runs from said motor to the cup vend control switch' I30. A wire I5I leads from wire I50 to one side of the switch 52 and a wire I52 leads from the other side of said 'swimh to. the wire I41, as shown. The main wire I43 goes to one side of the timer motor switch, 33 by connecting with a wire I53, a return wire I54 going from the other sideof said switch 93 to one side of a spring blade switch I55 disposed in the circuit. The wire I4 1 constitutes the other circuit side for said switch I55. This switch is closed when a relay solenoid I56 is'deenergized and anotherswitch I51 is open but closed when the relay I56 is energized, by the'action; of the core I58 pushing on the blade extension I59. In such case the switch I55 is'open. vThus when switch I55 is closed, switch I51 is open, and vice versa. The other side of switch I51 is connected with the wire I53, as shown.

One side of the relay' I56, by means or a wire I60, is connected with the wire I44 and a wire I6I goes from the other side thereof to the timer relay switch I34. The wire. I5 2 connects to wire I41. and the wire I44 connects to wire I48.

A wire I62 goes from one side of the switch 85 to the wire- I53.

A' wire I63 goes from one side of the coil 36 to one side of the counter switch 5, a return lead I64 going from the other side of said switch to a wire I65. The latter wire is connected to one side of the ,Vend I switch I32 and the other'endof said wire leads into one side of the coil 65 for the Vend' I valve, which coil 85 is connected by a wire I66 to coil 80 for the "Vend I valve. A wire I61 leads from coil 80 to the "Vend I timer switch I33 and a wire I68 leads to the coil "for the vent valve. From said coil I12 connects between wire I66 and wire I44. This completes the details of description of the parts and the operation thereof will now be summarized.

The tank I8 will be filled with not less-than I65 cup fulls of the previously mixed, carbonated, or other beverage, which the machine is to .dispense. In initial position the pin H4 is on the side of switch II5 as shown in Figure 12 so that as the wheel I04 is turned clockwise all teeth thereof, to the extent of one hundred sixty-fiveof them; can be used in one turn of the wheel I04. All switches except I55 are open. The plug MI is plugged into a socket to receive electrical energy through wires I42 and I43. The timer of Figure 10 is held releasably locked by the cooperation of detent I25 with the lock wheel I2I and all the cam wheels I30 to I36 are positioned in the starting position with associated switches held open, a cycle of operation of this timer unit being complete in one turn thereof to time the operation of all parts in successive order to perform the cup and drink vending functions and thenset itself in a position to start all over again to vend the nextdrink.

The machine, of course, is coin operated or released. The coinis inserted into slot 8I, it being understood that the sign IOI is raised to show Use nickel as the standard give cent piece is desired to be used in releasing and causing operation of the machine. As the coin enters the slot I02 it operates levers 84 (Figure 8) toclose the switch 85. In the starting posicircuit being through wires I42, I44, I45, I62,

I53 and I43 back to I4I. Through linkage 38 and core 81 the flap door 89 is hinged outwardly so that a coin held in jamming position in the 7 coin selector mechanism 82 can fall out and be released, a good or authentic coin, however, followinga rectangular passage to be guided onto and close the switch 93, before passing over the chute 94 into the cash box 95.

When the switch 93 closes, current flows from source I4I through wires I43, I53, I54, switch I55, wire I41 into motor H9 and magnet I23, back by way of wire I48 wire I44 and wire I42 to source I4I. As a consequence, the motor H8 operates the timer unit of Figures 10 and 11 to turn all cam wheels, the selector switch I36 remaimng closed by the cam wheel I36 because at this instant the relay I56 is energizedvbecause relay timer switch I34 is closed. This moves the core I58 causing switch I55 to open and switch I51 to close. The cam wheel I34 through its full turn now will hold switch I34 closed until the vender operation is complete, as the switch time this has happened the cam 50 has turned far enough to cause switch 52 to open and stop the motor 49.

In the meanwhile, the cam wheel I32 closes switch I32 and current flows from source I42, wire I44, wire I12, I66, coil 65, wire I65, switch I32, wire I46, I41, switch I51, and wires I53, I43 back to the source I. As a result the Vend I valve 64 is opened so that the beverage under pressure of gas from tank 2I flows'into the measuring vessel 61. The length of time switch I32 remains open under control of turning cam wheel I 32 governs the amount of liquid that enters the vessel to some extent, but a more accurate measure results from the balancing of back pressure from within the closed vessel 61 and the pressure of the gas from tank 2I. The balls "56 also serve to control the measure in that they displace liquid. As the coil 65 is deenergized by opening of switch I32 the valve 64 closes.

The cam wheel I35 has now turned enough to actuate crank I40 and register on the counter I39 (Figure 10); at the same time closing the switch I35 so that current flows from source I through wire I42, I44, I12, I68 into coil II, wire I69, switch I35, wire I46, I41, switch I51, wire I53, I43 and back to the source I4I. As a result the vent valve 13 is operated by the solenoid 1| to release the head or gas pressure in the dome of the vessel 61 and let in atmosphere.

In the next sequence the cam wheel 33 closes switch I33 whereupon current flows from source I, wires I42, 544, I12, I66 into coil 35, wire iS'I, switch I33, wires I46, I41, switch 551, wires l53 and I43 back to the source I4I. Thus, coil 80 is ,energized to open the valve 19, while vent valve coil 1! is still energized, whereupon the measured beverage from the vessel 61 flows by gravity through pipe 62 to the spout 51 and into the cup 34 standing on the support 33. Since the drink is not vended under pressure into the cup it is found that none of its gas content is released and foaming therefore does not take place. Ihe user raises the door 31 to get the drink. By this time the cam wheel I35 will have turned enough to cause the switch I35 to open and the coil H is deenergized to cause the valve 13 once more to close.

In the next step of the timer of Figure 10, the cam wheel I3I closes switch I3I' so that a circuit can run from the source I4I, wires I42, I44, I10 to coil I05, wire I1I, switch I3I, wires I46, I41, switch I51, wires I53, I43 and back to the source. It follows that the magnet I35 of Figure 5'now works to operate the means shown to step up the ratchet wheel I64 one step in an obvious manner.

By this time the operations are complete and the relay control cam wheel I34 has completed one turn, whereupon the switch I34 drops into its notch to open and break the relay circuit heretofore described. It follows now that the circuits for the motor H9 and coil I23 are opened so that the timer stops its rotation and the detent I25 locks same through lock wheel I2I. Thus, the relay switch I34 decnergizes the relay I56 to reverse the positions of switches I55 and I51, the latter now assuming their starting positions ready for a repeat operation of the vender when another coin is dropped onto switch 93.

After the counter wheel I 04 has stepped up'one hundred and'sixty-flve times, or as many times as there are drinks in the tank I8, the'pin II4 acts to close the switch II 5. When this occurs the relay I56 is still energized so that current flows as follows: from source I4I through wires I42, I44,coil 96, wire I63, switch II5, wires I64, I65, switch I32, wires I46, I41, switch I51 and wires I53, I43 back to the source I4I. As a result the magnet 96 operates to pull down the flag I (II to display the legend Empty at the window 32. At the same time (see Figures '1 and 8) the cross rod 99 lowers core 81 into the coil 86 to operate the linkage that will swing the coin return gate 89 of the coin device 82 to its open position, so that any coins thereafter entering the machine will be returned by way of the chutes and ill to the return pocket 92 where the user can readily get back his coin. The spring detent lock 99' is now efiective to hold the cores 91 and B1 in the position shown in Figures '1 and 8. After this when the tank I8 is again filled, the service man will raise the sign l6! and reset the detent 59 as well as the flap 89.

It will now be seen that an improved drink dispensing machine has been provided to achieve the desirable objects of the invention as heretofore recited.

The intention is to cover and modifications which do partures from the spirit and tion as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:

.1. A drink vender comprising a bulk container for carbonated beverage, a measuring vessel, 2, pouring spout, an input conduit connected between the container and vessel, an output conduit between the vessel and spout, a control valve in the input conduit, a control valve in the output conduit, a vent valve in the vessel, and means for causing the latter valve to open at a time when the other two valves are closed.

2. A drink vender comprising a bulk container adapted to contain the quantity of beverage under pressure, a normally closed measuring vessel adapted to receive beverage under pressure from said container, a pouring spout, an input conduit between the container and vessel, an output conduit between the vessel and spout, a control valve in the input conduit a vent valve in the vessel, a control valve in the output conduit, and automatically acting means for successively operating said valves in the order named, said vent valve being opened at a time when the other two valves are closed, and being held open at leastuntil the contents of said measuring chamber is drained to vend a drink admitted thereto by previous operation of said control valve.

3. In a carbonated drink vender, a bulk container, a measuring vessel, a pouring spout, means for supplying the drink under pressure from the container to the vessel, means to vent the vessel, and means to drain the drink by herein all changes not constitute descope of the invengravity from the vessel to the spout, said vessel having rounded objects therein leaving interstices therebetween to prevent foaming of the drink when it enters the vessel.

4. In a carbonated drink vender, a bulk container, a measuring vessel, a pouring spout,

means for supplying the drink under pressure from the container to the vessel, means to vent the vessel, and means to drain the drink by gravity fromthe vessel to the spout, said vessel having substantially spherical members supported therein to displace theliquid and prevent foaming thereof as it enters the vessel.

5. Ina drink vender, a refrigeratedcabinet, a

bulk container therein for a beverage, a measuring vessel, a pouring spout, a pair of cup magazines, a cup support, electrically operated means tovend cups alternately from the magazines one at a time to the support in a position below the spout, electrical means to control vending of a measured drink under pressure from the container to the vessel, electrical means to vent the vessel, electrical means to cause the drink to be vended by gravity from for the electrical means, and an electro-mechanical timer means to regulate automatically the order of operation of all operative means.

6. In a drinkvender, a refrigerated cabinet, a

bulk container therein, a measuring vessel, a

pouring spout, a cup magazine, a cup support, means to vend a 'cup from the magazine to the support in a position below the spout, means to direct liquid. from the container into the vessel, means to direct liquid from the vessel to the spout and into the cup on the support, an electrical control system operative in response to coin released means to regulate the functioning of operative parts, and a counting unit included in the system to make the same inoperative after a predetermined number of drinks have been vended;

7. In a drink vender, a container, a measuring vessel, a pouring spout, meansto vend a cup to a supported position below the spout, means to vend a drink from the container to the vessel, means to vend a drink from the vessel to the spout and into the cup, a counting mechanism to count the drinks vended, and means tomake the vender inoperative when a predetermined number of drinks have been vended.

8. In a drink vender, a container, a measuring vessel, 9. pouring spout, means to vend a cup to a supported position below the spout, means to vend adrink from the container to the vessel,

- means to vend adrink from the vessel to the spout and into the cup, a counting mechanism to count the drinks vended, coimoperated means to set operative parts of the vender into operation, means to make the vender inoperative when a predetermined number 'of drinks have been vended, and means to return to the user a coin inserted into the machine when-it is so made inoperative.

9. In a drink vender, a container, a measuring vessel, a pouring spout, means to vend a cup to a supported position below-the spout, means to vend a drink from the container to the vessel, means to vend a drink from the vessel to the spout and into the cup, a counting mechanism compartment having a conduitentering the,

first compartmentv and container to put pressure the vessel to the spout and into a cup on the support, an electric circuit on the pre-mixed beverage therein, cup vending mechanism in the other leg of the latter compartment to vend a cup to asupported position therein, a rigidly positioned measuring vessel in the refrigerator compartment ,to receive the liquid from the container under pressure, a pouring spout communicating with the vessel and disposed to drain into a supporting cup, and means to vend liquid from the vessel by gravity through the spout into the cup.

11. In a beverage vender, the combination with a container adapted to. hold a pre-mixed beverage under gas pressure, said beverage including as a constituent a flavoring syrup of dispensing means including a closed measuring chamber, means including a normally closed inlet valve connecting saidchamber with said container, a normally closed outlet valve for said chamber, a normally closed gas relief valve situated in the top of said chamber, and control means for effecting coordinated cyclic operation of said valves-so that the inlet valve is first 1 opened and closed, then' the relief valve is 'opened; and finally theoutlet valve is opened and then the relief and outlet valve are closed.

12, In a device of the class described including a container adapted to hold a pro-mixed beverage, dispensing means including a source of gas pressure connected with said container to maintain the beverage under pressure, a

'meas'uring chamber having connection with said container and with a dispensing outlet, said chamber also having a top wall portion with a gas relief opening therein, together with valve means operatively associated with said connections of the chamber to ,said container, said dispensing outlet and said relief opening, and means including electro magnetic valve operating means and timing switch means cooperating therewith for controlling said valve means to first admit a quantity of beverage to the chamber and close oi the chamber with .respect to the relief opening and dispensing outlet, then close offthe chamber with respect to the container, and thereafter open the relief opening and then said dispensing outlet said relief opening remaining open at least until said quantity of beverage has been dispensed as aforesaid;

13. The method of dispensing a pre-mixed carbonated beverage which comprises confining the beverage under pressure of carbon dioxide gas, transferring a quantity of the beverage into a closed measuring chamber in amount and with a backpressure at all times suilicient to displace a desired volume of gas in said chamber and force said volume of gasback into the body of transferred beverage in'said chamber to posi-' V tively collapse a substantial portion offoam resuiting from the transfer, and thereafter relieving substantially all of the pressure in the head space of said measuring chamber and flowing the beverage therefrom by gravity substantially free of back pressure.

14. The method of dispensing a carbonated beverage from a source of supply undercarbonating pressure which comprises transferring a quantity of the beverage from said source of supply to a closed chamber in a volume and at a pressure suflicient to collapse foam thereinby compression of gas back into the body ,of said transferred quantity, thenopening said chamber at a, level entirely above the upperlevel of said quantity for a period-sufllcient'to permit substantially all of the free gas therein to escape from above said body of the transferred quantity, and thereafter flowing said transferred quantity from the chamber by gravity substantially free of back pressure whereby the beverage is dispensed with a minimum of foam but with a substantial volume of carbonating gas therein.

15. The method of dispensing a carbonated beverage with a relatively minimum amount of foam and an optimum volume of gas in the body of the beverage at the time of dispensation, which method includes forcing the beverage by gas pressure from a supply chamber into a closed measuring chamber to compress gas in the head space above the beverage in the measuring chamber until amounts of foam therein are collapsed back into the body of the beverage and to force gas in said head space into said body of the beverage, thereafter discharging substantially all of the residual gas from said head space and flowing the beverage by gravity from the measuring chamber substantially free of back gas pressure. i i

16. The method of dispensing a pre-mixed carbonated beverage which comprises the confinement of a supply of the beverage in a sipply chamber, subjecting the contents of said chamber to a constantly acting pressure of carbon dioxide gas, effecting transfer of portions of beverage from the supply chamber to a closed measuring chamber by gas pressure existing in. the supply chamber and maintaining said pressure at a valve which is always'suflicient to force a certain quantity of the transferred beverage into the measuring chamber and to compress portions of the foam in the head space thereabove to a point of collapse so that substantial amounts of the foam are forced back into and down onto the transferred body of beverage; thereafter relieving the gas from said head space and causing said transferred beverage to flow from the measuring chamber by gravity.

17. In a carbonated drink vender, in combination, a bulk container, a normally closed measuring vessel, 'a pouring spout, means including a normally closed inlet valve to direct liquid under pressure from the container to the vessel, a normally closed vent valve for the vessel, a normally closed discharge valve between the vessel and spout to drain liquid by gravity from the vessel to the spout, an electrical control system including electro-magnetic means for operating said valves, and coin controlled electro-mechanical timing means for automatically energizing the electro-magnetic means to open and close the inlet valve, then-open the vent valve before the discharge valve is opened, then open the discharge valve and retain the vent valve open while thecliquid is being drained through the discharge valve.

18. A carbonated beverage vender including in combination with means for maintaining a supply of pre-mixed beverage under pressure, a measuring chamber, inlet valve means connecting said chamber with said supply means, vent valve means communicating through the upper part of said chamber to the atmosphere, dispensing valve means communicating from a lower part of the chamber to a outlet and actuating means cooperating with said valve means to actuate the same in dispensing cycles in an order in which the inlet valve means is opened long enough to permit filling of said measuring chamber to the capacity permitted by existing temperature and back pressure cond'itions therein, and said inlet valve means is thereafter closed, said vent valve means being opened after said measuring chamber is filled to capacity as aforesaid, and said dispensing valve means is opened following opening of said vent valve means but not until substantially all head pressure from gas in said chamber has had time to be dissipated by said vent valve means,

i the latter being retained open while the liquid is being discharged by gravity through said dispensing valve means.

19. In a pro-mixed carbonated beverage dispenser, in combination, a container adapted to hold a supply of beverage, of the type including syrup and water, under pressure of carbon dioxide gas, means for transferring measured quantitles of the beverage from said container to a dispensing receptacle with a substantial amount of said gas in the transferred quantity and with little foam therein, said means including 9. normally closed measuring chamber having electrically controlled and normally closed valve means interconnecting the same with said container and with a dispensing outlet, together with electrically controlled valve means for venting said chamber upwardly through the top thereof from a point above the level of liquid therein, and control mechanism for actuating the several valve means in a certain relationship to admit a quantity of beverage from said container to the measuring chamber then close off communication between the chamber and container, then open and hold open the venting valve means, and thereafter open communication between said chamber and dispensing outlet while the venting valve means remains open.

20. In a beverage dispenser including a beverage supply container and means maintaining the contents thereof under gas pressure, the

combination of a measuring and defoaming' chamber connected by an inlet valve with said supply container, a relief valve communicating through the head portion of said measuring and defoaming chamber, and an outlet valve leading from said chamber to a gravity discharge spout, together with actuating means for operating said valves in a sequence in which the relief and outlet valves remain closed while the inlet valve RALPH A. NICHOLSON. 

